Adding Oats is a Healthy Choice
Oatmeal is a hot cereal that can be instrumental in lowering your cholesterol and enhancing your diet. Try to avoid flavored kinds because they are filled with extra sugars that you don’t need. If you aren’t adept at fixing oatmeal, using the instant plain variety is good. You can add a bit of honey or sugar substitute to enhance the taste.
Oats and oat bran contain all the parts of the grain, which makes them more beneficial. For the oat, one of its major components is fiber. Fiber is a powerhouse substance and oats are full of it.
Fiber comes in two forms, soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber is spongy and passes through the digestive system rather readily. But, it doesn’t pass alone. It takes along with it some cholesterol and a measure of fat so that it never gets stored in your system.
Soluble fiber is used by the body to remove bad cholesterol, while not affecting levels of good cholesterol. As the fiber breaks down, it forms a gel. This gel captures many substances in the intestines and takes them out to sea.
Are you prone to cravings and sugar rushes? One way to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day is with oatmeal and other grains. When the meal breaks down, it again forms a gel. This gel passes into the intestines. It is harder than other substances to digest so it takes time to pass. In the meantime, you experience steady energy as it is broken down. That leads to a feeling of fullness longer so you don’t have to concentrate on food. You can feel your focus all day without feeling lightheaded or hungry.
When you feel full, you are less likely to eat. For those trying to lose weight this is a bonus. You eat less so that the calories you burn are stored fat, which is what you want. At the same time, insulin production is regulated properly reducing the risk of diabetes.
It only takes one cup of oats a day to keep your body on track. That one cup a day can keep your heart healthy, help control weight, give you energy and help with digestion. What are you waiting for? Grab a bowl of oatmeal and enjoy.
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